Gavi opens up: maturity, scars, and the fire that still drives him

Relaxed, grounded, honest — even smiling — after a photo session where he asked for just one thing: “Normality, normality.” That’s how Gavi sat down with AS.

A player who isn’t fake on the field and even less so off it. He knows he’s at the center of every debate, and he doesn’t run from it. “I’ve been getting criticized since I debuted at 17. Honestly, I like it. I like having the spotlight on me.”

He drops reflections you wouldn’t expect from someone who’s only 21. He used the torture of injuries to watch his own games, to think, to improve: “I used to commit a lot of dumb fouls, and my mind would race too fast when I had the ball…” A midfielder who cried when he saw his name on the World Cup roster and who can only express gratitude when Luis de la Fuente’s name comes up: “I’d do anything for him.” And the World Cup? “I’d do anything to win it.”

Being called for the World Cup: “At that moment, I was the happiest kid in the world”

Your reaction — recorded by Lamine — after making the 26‑man roster went viral. What was behind that explosion of emotion?

Well, in that moment I thought about how tough everything had been. These last two years with injuries were brutal, and when the reward is a World Cup — earned through work and sacrifice — you get incredibly happy. In that moment, I was the happiest kid in the world.

We heard you’re wearing No. 9 because it was the first number you were assigned, and you’re not changing it. Maybe you feel like a No. 9…

(Laughs) No, no. I debuted with the No. 9, and I’ve always loved wearing it. I get why people think it’s weird (smiles), but I love it. I’ll keep it unless someone with more caps than me asks for it.

“I hope De la Fuente stays for many more years”

Gavi, con AS en Chattanooga

De la Fuente made you a starter in the Nations League Final Four, called you for the Euros, and now started you in the World Cup opener. What does he mean to you?

You can see it on the field. He’s always trusted me, and I’ve always given that trust back. Since he took over the senior team, we’ve been together. We won the Nations League, we won the Euros, reached another Nations League final, and now we’re at the World Cup. I’m grateful. He’s always gone all‑in for me, and I’ll do the same for him. I hope he stays for many years.

Xavi called you ‘a heart with legs.’ De la Fuente said you’re ‘a toy.’ Which one do you prefer?

(Smiles) I don’t know, people can call me whatever they want. I see myself as someone very natural, who’s straightforward with everyone, and who goes all‑in for his people. And I’m grateful to both Xavi and De la Fuente. They’ve always shown me a lot of love. I always go all‑in for my people.

Not just them — Koeman, Luis Enrique, Flick… all trusted you. What does Gavi have?

Like I always say, beyond football, I go all‑in for my people and defend them to the death. That matters a lot in a team and in a locker room. People talk a lot from the outside. When things go wrong, the ones who need to stay united are the ones inside. That’s how you grow. They love me because of who I am in the locker room. Always with my people. No matter what.

You said this injury was tougher than the previous one. Was it more mental or physical? Did you feel stuck in a tunnel?

Yeah, like I’ve said before, this one was harder. When it’s your second or third injury, it’s tougher to recover. The process is slower. But I’ve come back better than ever. I feel better than ever. I improved a lot. I can play in many positions — some better than others — but I’m here for the team. One thing I improved: in my early years I committed a lot of dumb fouls. Now I commit way fewer. With the ball, my mind used to race. Now I think more about the game. I feel comfortable anywhere.

“Before I made a lot of stupid fouls and I’d lose my head too quickly”

Gavi, sobre su evolución

Who helped you through that process?

Myself. When you’re injured, you’re alone. You have a lot of time to think. I watched a lot of my own games. I’m the type who watches himself a lot. You can improve a ton that way — with and without the ball.

Do you feel like you’re always at the center of the debate? Does it bother you?

Honestly, I’ve been used to criticism since I debuted at 17. And if I’m being honest, I like it. I like having the spotlight on me. It’s good. And like I say, I go all‑in for my people. I don’t care what’s said outside. On the field, I’m the one playing. I’ve always been criticized, and I like it — it motivates me. I don’t crumble.

“I’ve been used to criticism since I was 17”

Gavi y el debate sobre su figura

On the Cabo Verde match

It was a tough game. We knew what we were facing. Just because they’re called Cabo Verde doesn’t mean they’re a weak team. Physically, every national team is strong and anyone can embarrass you. We weren’t as good as we wanted to be — slow circulation, sloppy passes. But I’d rather struggle early than in the Round of 16. We can do much better.

How do you see Lamine? The team looked different when he came on against Saudi Arabia.

I’ve always said Lamine Yamal is the best — the No. 1. When he comes in, the team improves because he’s incredible one‑on‑one. Others are better inside, but the other day was tough — they defended with five, and we weren’t sharp with passes or movement. Obviously, with Lamine on the field, he gives us more than I do in that situation…

You’ve always said Barça is the best club in the world. Is Spain the best national team?

As a national team, maybe not individually. But if we’re all locked in, then yes, without a doubt. But you have to prove it on the field. Being a favorite means nothing if you don’t show it. You have to put it into practice.

You once said you didn’t want Barça signing players who act like stars. Are there any ‘divas’ in the national team?

No, honestly, there are no divas here. We’re strong when we’re united. If not, anyone can embarrass us. Everyone has to be at 100 percent, attacking and defending as a team.

Pedri said he’d dye his hair platinum. Others talk tattoos. You’ve changed your hair before… What would you do if you win the World Cup?

In an interview I said I’d dye it pink, but bah (laughs). I don’t know. I’d have to think about it. But I’d do anything to be world champion. If we win the World Cup, I’d do whatever.

“I’d do anything to win the World Cup”

Gavi y su apuesta si hay segunda estrella

What’s the price of fame when you debut so young?

These years flew by. I barely noticed. I don’t think about it much, but yeah, I get overwhelmed by crowds. At 17 or 18, going to public places stressed me out. I’m paranoid — nobody on my team likes going out with me! If we go out partying or whatever, the moment I see a phone, I think they’re recording me (laughs). Now I care less. And I’ll handle it better as I get older.

“I’m a paranoid, my teammates don’t want to go out with me”

Gavi bromea sobre su forma de ser

Last one — and with all the good vibes in the world. Do you still think people who say you can’t play football ‘don’t know a damn thing’?

(Smiles and nods) Obviously, I still think that. People can think whatever they want. If I play badly, they’ll criticize me — that’s football. But it’s not just goals and assists. I’m the one playing, and the coaches are the ones who pick me. They know what kind of player I am. That keeps me calm.

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